How getting rid of invasive mammals has helped animals survive on their native islands

Scripps' murrelet

Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times

A Scripps' murrelet chick, formerly called Xantu's murrelet. The tiny seabird's population, which nests in the cliff caverns of Anacapa Island, rebounded after invasive rats were removed from California's Channel Islands.

A Scripps' murrelet chick, formerly called Xantu's murrelet. The tiny seabird's population, which nests in the cliff caverns of Anacapa Island, rebounded after invasive rats were removed from California's Channel Islands.

Invasive mammals such as cats, rats, goats and pigs can kill off native island species that evolved with no natural predators. Here's how removing the uninvited guests has helped -- and sometimes hurt -- animals in California's Channel Islands and beyond.